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Membership FAQ

Q: Why should I to join the Markham Board of Trade?

A: Both Boards of Trades and Chambers of Commerce play a key role in the development of local businesses. Through networking opportunities, preferred discounted products and services, and professional development, we are an important means for business people to grow and promote their business.

Q: Is there a fee for Membership in Markham Board of Trade, and is it taxable?

A: Membership dues correlate with the size of your company, based on full-time employees. CLICK HERE to view our membership rates. Dues are deductible for federal income tax purposes as a business expense. The Markham Board of Trade must collect and remit HST on sales. You may be eligible for tax input credits.

Q: Who are the members of the Markham Board of Trade?

A: Our 700+ members range from small entrepreneurial businesses to corporations with over 100 employees. Our members are comprised of those who have just started their business and members who have been in business for decades. They include information technology services, health services, community organizations, transportation, retail, dining, manufacturers, accommodations, and many more. If you’re looking for advice on how to grow your business or transition it to the next generation in your family, the Markham Board of Trade has members who will be there to support you.

Q: Is membership in the Markham Board of Trade just for large business?

A: Absolutely not. Small businesses make up more than 80% of our membership!

Q: Does my business have to be located in Markham to become a member?

A: No, your business does not need to be located in the Markham area. We do, however, encourage supporting you own local Board of Trade/Chamber of Commerce first. If you join a York Region Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce, you have access to the Ultimate Networking Card which allows members-in-good-standing of participating Boards and Chambers to have access to select events at exclusive member pricing across York Region.

Q: Does the Markham Board of Trade distribute or sell its membership list?

A: No, however, our Annual Buyer’s Guide with contact information for each member is available through print and online – CLICK HERE to access. For more information about Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, CLICK HERE.

Q: Can I send information about my business to the Markham Board of Trade membership?

A: Yes! We have several ways to get your message to our members through advertising in our Markham VOICE magazine or Annual Buyer’s Guide, placing an advertisement in our monthly ECO-Flyer or on our website, as well as sponsorship or exhibit opportunities. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Q: Once our company joins as a member, who can attend Markham Board of Trade Events?

A: Anyone who is employed by a member company is eligible to attend Markham Board of Trade events at the member discounted rates. Members can also attend York Region Boards and Chambers events at exclusive member prices* using their Ultimate Networking Card.

Q: How can I add a staff member to the distribution list for e-newsletters?

A: To add a staff member to our e-newsletter mailing list, please contact us at 289-844-3024 or via email at events [at] markhamboard.com.

Q: I need to update my membership information, how do I do this?

A: For changes to contacts or address information you can simply log-in to access your membership record. Note that your log-in would be the email address for the main contact at your company and your membership number. If you do not know this information, please contact us at 289-844-3017 or at maryann [at] markhamboard.com. CLICK HERE to log-in.

Q: What is the refund policy for memberships?

A: A membership with the Markham Board of Trade is an annual commitment, and therefore, is non-refundable. When your membership is up for renewal, we require notification of your wish to cancel. In the Fall of each year we will send you an invoice and a renewal letter. If you wish to cancel your membership, please let us know at that time and we will process your cancellation.

Q: I want to make changes to or join the group discounts offered through the Markham Board of Trade. How do i do this?

A: Information for each benefit, who to contact and how to activate the discount, is listed in the member log-in area. CLICK HERE to log-in.

Q: How can the Markham Board of Trade help my business?

A: The Markham Board of Trade offers a wide variety of benefits to assist local businesses. Browse our website to learn more about the cost saving discounts, networking opportunities, and opportunities to promote your business.

Q: Why do I have to pay an administrative fee when I join?

A: All new members of the Markham Board of Trade are charged a one-time administrative fee. This fee covers the initial administrative resources to process the new membership.

Q: What is the Markham Board of Trade’s event cancellation policy?

A: Cancellations will be accepted, during regular business hours (Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) up to 2 business days prior to the date of the event. Cancellations made after this 2 business day window, or registrants who fail to attend, will be charged the full registration fee. Delegate substitutions may be made, at no charge.

Q: Can I get a subscription to the Markham VOICE magazine?

A: Issues of the Markham VOICE magazine are sent 3 times per year to the main contact of each member company. The cost of this subscription is included in the annual membership fee. Additional copies can be picked up for free at select consumer locations. For a list of these locations, visit www.markhamvoice.com.

Q: How do I place an ad in the Markham VOICE magazine?

A: CLICK HERE for more information on how to promote your business through the Markham Board of Trade.

Q: Can you send an email about my event to the Markham Board of Trade membership?

A: Sorry, no. Due to the volume of requests we get from members and outside parties to access this list, we are not able to send emails on behalf of third parties. However, there are a number of others ways to promote your event online for free. Members can leverage their Markham Board of Trade membership by connecting with us online.

Through Twitter, send us a direct message @MarkhamBoard and we will RT your tweets about your event!

Through Facebook, create an event on Facebook and invite your friends! Or, post a message on the Markham Board of Trade’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/MarkhamBoard.

Q: Does the Markham Board of Trade have monthly meetings?

A: No. We do, however, hold an Annual General Meeting in the Spring and we hold over 40 events per year – ranging in size and style from small informal networking events to large formal gatherings. CLICK HERE to access our on-line events calendar.

Q: Would the Markham Board of Trade buy a table or otherwise sponsor an event?

A: While we, as a Board of Trade, are very supportive of many causes and events, we have to be very careful with partnering or supporting one event over another, no matter how worthy the cause. We must also be cautious of having our logo associated with events that we do not organize. We are a not-for-profit organization whose members pay membership to the Board of Trade to act on their behalf; the same businesses that you would be approaching for sponsorship and ticket sales. If we were seen to be supporting one, we would have to support all of them.

Markham Board of Trade

MBT is Markham’s premier business association, creating growth opportunities for local business that drive the economy and build a stronger community. Celebrating 35 years in 2016, we represent over 700 area businesses and their employees.